Swimming pools deadline unrealistic: real estate agent

A Newcastle real estate agent says the New South Wales government lacked forethought when it set this month as the start date for backyard pool compliance certificates.

Leah Jay says the industry warned the government of significant delays to the selling or leasing of properties with pools, if the new law came into effect this month.

The requirement for a pool compliance certificate to be obtained before a property can be offered for rent or sale has now been pushed back by 12 months to April 2015.

The introduction of compliance certificates this month was originally meant to follow a state wide register of pools being established last year.

Ms Jay says the real estate industry gave feedback that there are not enough certifiers available for the law to start yet - particularly in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie where there are an estimated 30,000 swimming pools.

"But in the main it was the real estate industry, the REI that made representations to the New South Wales government."

Ms Jay says the additional year will allow councils more time to employ inspectors or to contract private certifiers.

"The legislation was brought in and again not a lot of forethought given about the time or the amount of work and effort involved and to have people on the ground so that their certified and actually able to carry out the inspections of the pools."

The Local Government Minister Don Page says along with real estate agent complaints, councils reported not having the resources to meet the deadline.

Mr Page says efforts are underway to increase the number of available certifiers.

He says a new category of private certifier is being established, enabling suitably qualified people to complete a course and offer an inspection service.

He stressed the extension only applies to certificates for properties that are to be sold or leased.

Mr Page says all backyard pools still have to be registered and fines are applicable for the owners of unregistered pools.